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Record High Load Factors Continue - Slow Down in the Middle East

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released traffic results for the first seven months of the year showing growth of 6.4% for passenger traffic and 5.3% for freight over the same period last year. The average load factor for the period was 76%.

"The load factors are amazing. For the first seven months of the year passenger demand grew by 6.4% while capacity expanded by 4.7% pushing the average load factor to 76%. The result is a strong revenue environment that is helping to combat the increasing price of fuel. But recent shocks in the UK and the Middle East remind us that there is no room for complacency on efficiency," said Giovanni Bisignani, Director General and CEO of IATA.

In July 80.8% of seats were filled worldwide with North American carriers achieving 85.9%.

The conflict in the Middle East led to a slowdown in the region's growth rate. "For the first time in two years, Middle Eastern carriers were not the leaders in cargo or passenger growth," said Bisignani. Middle Eastern carriers posted July growth of 12.9% for passenger and 15.2% for cargo. This was behind African carrier growth of 13.1% for passenger and 20.6% for cargo. Middle Eastern traffic accounts for 7.7% of global traffic. "The slowdown was isolated with little impact even to the region's dominant carriers," said Bisignani.

"While we expect to see another isolated dip in August due to the UK terror alert, overall, improved efficiency and high load factors will help to mitigate the impact of the high oil prices and bodes well for the bottom line. A disciplined focus on efficiency throughout the value chain is the tool that will return the industry to profitability," said Bisignani.